MANILA, March 7 — National Bureau of Investigation deputy director for Intelligence Services Reynaldo Esmeralda Thursday said the visit of NBI agents in Kiram's residence in Taguig City was a legitimate operation.

"That was a legitimate operation, sanctioned ng office ko as deputy director for intelligence services and also that of the office of deputy director Ruel Lasala for special investigation services," Esmeralda said in an interview.

He said the tasking about people was to monitor the premises of Kiram family.

"Nagkarun lang ng misunderstanding dito between our agents and crew of TV5. Ang point namin dun, if there is difficulty of getting inside of Kiram residence, they will ask the help of the members of the media na kaibigan namin," Esmeralda said.

However, he said they did not know, "dahil open naman ang residence ni Sultan Kiram, anybody can just go inside, nagkita na sila, sumama na sila sa residence."

Esmeralda said then they were introduced by Carla Lim to Mrs. Kiram as NBI agents. "Very clear na dun eh," he said.

He said there was only a misunderstanding there.

Esmeralda said the NBI agents were even wearing neck tie, adding, they were even entertained by Mrs. Kiram.

"They were even offered juice. Eventually, they were introduced as NBI agents," he said.